In a remarkable story of perseverance, Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith has defied the odds to earn a spot in New Zealand's World Cup squad—despite his club suffering relegation from the National League this season.

The 36-year-old center-back, who hasn't played since 2024, was a key figure for the All Whites during their last World Cup appearance 16 years ago, starting all three group matches. Now, alongside Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, Smith is set to make history as one of the first New Zealanders to feature at two men's World Cups.

Wood, 34, brings Premier League firepower and leadership to the squad as captain. After undergoing knee surgery and spending six months on the sidelines, the striker returned to action in April and will be crucial to New Zealand's hopes in Group B against Belgium, Egypt, and Iran.

The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, marks only the third World Cup appearance for New Zealand—following their debut in 1982 and their memorable 2010 campaign, where they earned draws against Italy, Slovakia, and Paraguay but fell short of the knockout stage.

Before the World Cup, the All Whites will tune up with friendlies against Haiti and England in Tampa, Florida, on June 3 and 6 respectively. For Smith and Wood, it's a chance to cap their careers with another chapter in New Zealand football history—and a reminder that even a relegation can't dim a true competitor's World Cup dream.